Futura MouzPad
Score: 78% Developer: LapWorks, Inc. Device Type: Accessory
Function: The Futura MouzPad is an extension for the Laptop Desk that gives you a nice smooth surface to place your mouse. Designed to clip on either the left or right side of the Laptop Desk, the plastic tray comes with two small clips that snap into the pegs on the bottom of the MouzPad in order to help hold it to the Desk. Interestingly enough, I found that it also served a purpose while the Laptop Desk was folded over in "Desk Stand" mode. By adding these few inches to one of the sides, I found the stand was a bit more stable and when I attached one to each end, the Laptop Desk seemed to have very little problem supporting my large laptop for any period of time.
Performance: The Futura MouzPad pretty much does everything it claims to do. The surface on the MouzPad is smooth and works well with both optical and ball-based mice (yes I actually dug up an older mouse to test this with). The MouzPad is made of Polycarbonate plastic, so it is sturdy and thin, making it ideal for sliding in your carry-on luggage so you can pull out your laptop while waiting at the airport.
Features: Snaps-on Snaps-off Utility Holes Use with any Mouse Use Left or Right-handed Lifetime Warranty
Drawbacks & Problems:: Unfortunately, the Futura MouzPad does have a couple of minor issues. I found that it isn't the best idea to pack up your Laptop Desk and MouzPad with them attached. There were several times when I slipped them into my backpack connected and when I got to my destination, I found the plastic pegs that helped to attach the MouzPad at the bottom of my bag. Nothing was broken; it just became obvious that you shouldn't keep them connected while traveling. The other issue is a bit more serious, and that is the size of the MouzPad itself. At first, the attachment seemed to be fine, but when I pulled out the older mouse, I noticed that that pad just wasn't big enough to do any real good. I had a little maneuverability, but not a whole lot, and that's when I remembered that I usually use a smaller travel mouse with my laptop. So while the mousing-area isn't quite perfect for full-sized mice, the smaller ones fit just fine. I'm a bit forgiving on this because one of the MouzPad and Laptop Desk's main focuses is portability and it seems that smaller mice are more likely to be packed alongside this tray anyway. Plus, Lapworks has announced a larger version is in the works. Below is a notice we got with the Futura MouzPad. "In response to some of the blog comments we've read on the Internet, we are designing a new MouzPad that is much larger. Probably something 8" to 9" round or an oval shape 8" wide by 10" long. ... We're also posting a note on our website to notify all visitors of the chanage. And for anyone who orders the Futura Gamers Desk in its present form, they will receive the new larger MouzPad for FREE when it's launched in late September." So what does this mean? Well, if you have the Laptop Desk and need a little mouse space, then I think the MouzPad is a good purchase. If on the other hand, you don't like the smaller mice and you need a full-sized one, you might want to wait for the new version that is due out in a few months. Editor’s Note: The design of the new MouzPad has been finalized and is scheduled for release in October just in time for E for All. The Max MouzPad is nine inches wide and eleven inches top to bottom. LapWorks has also added a series of four notches to the top and bottom to wind a mouse cable in and it also has a catch cup to hold your wireless mouse for working in an incline.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
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